Strep Throat Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Sore throat (pharyngitis) is inflammation that occurs in the pharynx (throat). This condition can be caused by viruses or bacteria.
Pharyngitis is a contagious infection that is spread through direct contact with sufferers.
Contact can occur through activities that involve mucus or saliva. For example, through kissing or using a contaminated toothbrush.
Symptoms
There are several disturbing features of strep throat, such as:
- sore throat
- swallowing pain
- fever
- enlarged lymph nodes in the neck usually complained of as a bulge around the neck
- dry throat
- reddish spots on the roof of the mouth
- enlarged tonsils or the presence of white patches or pus
- a hoarse or muffled voice
Consult the pharyngitis symptoms that you are experiencing with the doctor at the Ask a Doctor service in the KlikDokter application.
Reason
Pharyngitis is usually caused by viral and or bacterial infections, such as colds and flu (caused by viral infections) or by bacterial infections ( Streptococcus ).
This health disorder can also be caused by mononucleosis (aka “mono”), which is a viral infection.
In addition, it is now well known that the COVID-19 virus can trigger pain in the throat.
In addition to bacteria and viruses, causes of strep throat also include:
Fungal infection
Pharyngitis due to fungal infections is found in people with immunocompromised conditions or long-term use of steroids or antibiotics.
Allergy
Dry indoor air and mouth-breathing patterns can cause recurrent sore throats.
Irritation in the throat due to GERD
The rise of stomach acid into the esophagus (esophagus) in GERD sufferers can cause sore throat.
HIV infection
A sore throat can also be a sign that someone is infected with HIV. This is because the immune system of people with HIV is weak so they are easily infected with other viruses that can cause strep throat.
Risk Factors
There are several conditions that can increase the risk of sore throat, namely:
- contagious pharyngitis. Anyone who is near a sufferer of strep throat will be at risk of contracting it
- social situations with prolonged close interpersonal contact such as in schools, dormitories, or military barracks
- children and adolescents are more at risk of getting strep throat
- frequent sinusitis
- smoking
- immunity problem
- winter
- have a history of allergic rhinitis
- have a history of GERD
- as well as the use of corticosteroids
Sore throat
| Medical specialist | Ear Nose Throat Specialist (ENT) |
| Symptoms | Sore throat, painful swallowing, fever |
| risk factor | Age of children and adolescents, smoking, problems with immunity, has a history of GERD, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis |
| diagnosis | Medical interview, physical examination, blood laboratory, and throat swab |
| Treatment | Bedrest, water, nutritious food, pain relievers, fever reducers, antibiotics if necessary |
| Drug | Paracetamol, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid |
| Complications | Peritonsillar abscess, mastoiditis, cervical lymphadenitis |
| When to see a doctor? | Shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing |
Diagnosis
Here are some ways doctors diagnose strep throat.
Medical Interview
The medical interview includes questions about whether you have a fever, sore throat, pain when swallowing, and have a lump around your neck.
The doctor will also ask about the symptoms of strep throat that you are experiencing.
Physical examination
The physical examination includes body temperature, examination of the oral cavity to see if the tonsils are enlarged, are the mucous membranes lining the throat inflamed and covered with a whitish membrane or oozing pus.
The doctor will also check if there are enlarged lymph nodes around the neck.
Blood Check
In infections caused by bacteria, the white blood cell count will usually increase.
Meanwhile, in infections caused by viruses, the white blood cell count is usually normal or slightly increased.
Examination of Throat Smear
In infections caused by bacteria, in this smear examination, bacterial colonies will grow in cultures in the laboratory.
Treatment
Strep throat can be treated by an ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Treatment can be done at home or in the hospital. The following is the treatment for pharyngitis.
- Giving pain relievers such as paracetamol, ibuprofen, mefenamic acid.
- Gargle with warm salt solution or mouthwash.
- If the cause is suspected to be bacteria, antibiotics may be given.
- Eat soft and gravy foods so they are easy to swallow.
- Avoid eating or drinking with extreme temperatures, i.e. very cold or very hot.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Consume sufficient amounts of water.
- Keep the air moist at home to prevent a dry throat.
Related Drugs
The following are drugs that are usually used to treat strep throat.
Paracetamol
Paracetamol is an analgesic and antipyretic drug that is widely used to relieve mild to moderate pain and fever.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and is used to reduce pain. This drug can also be used as a fever reliever.
Mefenamic acid
Mefenamic acid is one of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs of the fenamat class which is used in the treatment of mild to moderate pain.
Prevention
Now you know what strep throat is. So, how to prevent it?
- Washing hands
- avoid touching your face, including your eyes, nose, and mouth
- avoid sharing food, drinking glasses, or cutlery
- practice cough etiquette
- use hand sanitizer if clean water for hand washing is not available
- clean and disinfect frequently touched or used items
- avoid close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms or wear a mask if you have to be close to each other
Complications
Complications of pharyngitis are very rare. Suppurative and nonsuppurative complications can occur due to group A strep pharyngitis.
Suppurative complications result from spread of group A streptococci from the pharynx to adjacent structures such as:
- peritonsillar abscess
- retropharyngeal abscess
- cervical lymphadenitis
- mastoiditis
- focal infection or sepsis (but less frequently).
Meanwhile, nonsuppurative symptoms can cause acute rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis, or skin infection.